Recloseable Flexible Packages

ABSTRACT

Recloseable flexible packages are provided including a package body formed from a flexible film having a longitudinal seam along a back panel of the package body, a line of weakness extending around a portion of the package body to define a removable portion of the package body, and a flexible sealing label disposed over and extending beyond the removable potion of the package body. The tine of weakness extends substantially around the package body from the back panel between the longitudinal seam and a first longitudinal side and around to the back panel where it terminates between the second longitudinal side and the longitudinal seam. The recloseable flexible package is opened by pulling the flexible sealing label to form a transverse opening in the package body and then reclosed by wrapping the flexible sealing label back around the package body.

BACKGROUND

The present application relates generally to packages for containing various products. More particularly, the present application relates to a package for containing food products, particularly confectionary products, which has a reclosable structure that can be repeatedly opened and closed.

A variety of different types of flexible packaging are known in the art for containing and dispensing products, particularly food products. Often, consumers may desire to use only a portion of the product contained in the package, resulting in a problem with storing the remaining product in the package. This problem is particularly evident in packages haying two sealed ends which initially contain and protect the product. When one of the two sealed ends is opened to dispense a portion of the product, it can be difficult to obtain an effective closure to reseal the opened end. Moreover, it often can be necessary to repeatedly open and close the package to obtain access to the product therein. Although various solutions have been offered to address these problems, many of these solutions are undesirable because they can impair a consumer's ability to access the product within the container or fail to effectively limit propagation of tears when the package is opened.

Thus, there exists a need to provide a simple, cost effective and useful solution for reclosing and reseating the end of a previously sealed package in a manner which will allow for repeated opening and closing of the package to access the products contained therein.

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present description address the above-described needs by providing a reclosable flexible package for containing a product therein, methods for their manufacture, and use. Generally, the package includes a package body formed from a flexible film having a longitudinal seam along a back panel of the package body. A line of weakness extends around a portion of the package body to define a removable portion of the package body, the removable portion beginning on the back panel between the longitudinal seam and a first longitudinal side, extending around the first longitudinal side and across a front panel, sad continuing around a second longitudinal side to the back panel where the removable portion terminates between the second longitudinal side and the longitudinal seam. A flexible scaling label may be disposed over and extend beyond the removable portion of the package body.

The flexible sealing label and removable portion are permanently adhered to one another such that pulling the flexible sealing label in a peeling direction separates the removable portion from the package body at the line of weakness and forms a transverse opening in the package body. The flexible sealing label may also include a resealable adhesive extending beyond the removable portion of the package body for forming a resealable closure.

Also provided is a method of preparing a reclosable flexible package. The method may include providing a flexible film having a flexible sealing label applied over a line of weakness defining a removable portion in the flexible film; folding the flexible film about a product and forming a longitudinal seam by joining opposite longitudinal edges of the flexible film; and forming two transverse sealed seams. During the process, the flexible film may be positioned as it is folded about the product so that the flexible sealing label applied over the removable portion begins on a back panel between the longitudinal seam and a first longitudinal side, extends around the first longitudinal side and across a front panel, and continues around a second longitudinal side to the back panel where it terminates between the second longitudinal side and the longitudinal seam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front side (1A) and the back side (1B) of a reclosable flexible package according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2A is a plan view of the removable portion and flexible adhesive strip of a reclosable flexible package. FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the removable portion and flexible adhesive strip illustrated in FIG. 2A.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are plan views of the back panel (3A) and front panel (3B) of the reclosable flexible package of FIG. 1 as the removable portion and flexible adhesive strip are partially open (3A) and fully open (3B). FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the fully open package having the open end folded backwards.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the use of a recloseable flexible package, including opening the recloseable flexible package (A), accessing a product contained therein (B), and closing (C) and resealing (D) the recloseable flexible package.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present description include a recloseable flexible package that allows for a portion of the product to be removed and a remaining port ion of the product to be contained in the reseated package. Also provided herein are methods for manufacturing the recloseable flexible packages and methods for using the recloseable flexible packages.

Generally described, the recloseable flexible package includes a package body formed from a flexible film which is folded around the product and sealed to fully enclose the product. Overlapping longitudinal edges of the flexible film are bonded together to form a longitudinal seam (e.g., a tin seal) which extends along a back panel of the package. Opposing ends of the package are bonded together to form transverse sealed seams at the ends of the product. Thus, the recloseable flexible package includes a front panel, a back panel, a longitudinal seam on the back panel, and two transverse sealed seams at opposing ends.

The package body also includes one or more lines of weakness in the flexible film. The line of weakness extends around a portion of the package body to define a removable portion of the flexible material. The line of weakness may be formed from a die cut, score line, or perforated line formed in the flexible film. The line of weakness desirably begins on the back panel between the fin seal and one longitudinal side continues around to and across the front panel, and then continues around to the back panel where it terminates on the opposite side of the fin seal between the second longitudinal side and the fin seal. Thus, the line of weakness defining the removable portion extends substantially, but not entirely, around the package body.

The line of weakness and removable portion are covered by a flexible sealing label. The flexible sealing label may be adhered to the removable portion using a permanent adhesive, such that pulling the flexible sealing label in a peeling direction separates the removable portion from the package body at the line of weakness forms a transverse opening in the package body. Advantageously, the transverse opening extends

across the entire width of the package body, providing access to and enabling ease of removal of the product therein.

After the initial opening, the removable portion of the package body remains adhered to the flexible sealing label and may be either partially or fully separated from the main package body. For example, in embodiments, the removable portion, may remain partially attached to the flexible film of the package body at one of the terminal ends of the removable portion. In such, embodiments the line of weakness may be an open shape, such, as an open oval that is open at a first end and closed at the opposing second end. Thus, the removable portion remains attached, to the package body at the first end. Alternatively, the removable portion may be fully separated from the flexible film of the package body after the initial opening and the line of weakness may be a closed shape, such as a closed oval.

The flexible sealing label desirably extends beyond the line of weakness defining the removable portion into an overlapping region of the main package body. For example, the flexible sealing label may extend beyond all or a portion of the removable portion. A peelable and resealable adhesive may be applied to the portion of the flexible sealing label extending over the overlapping region. In embodiments, a permanent adhesive, also may be applied to a portion of the flexible sealing label, for example, at a first end of the flexible sealing label so that it is suitable attached to the main package body. The flexible sealing label also may include a pull tab at one of the terminal ends of the flexible sealing label, for example, the opposing second end.

After the package has been opened, the consumer may advantageously reclose the package using the flexible sealing label. For example, the flexible sealing label may be wrapped back around the package body in substantially its original position.

Alternatively, if product has been removed from the package, the package may be reclosed by folding over the transverse sealed seam at the end of the package body nearest the opening towards the front panel, wrapping the flexible sealing label across the folded portion and around to the back panel of the package body, and securing the resealable portion of the terminal end of the flexible sealing label to the back panel of the package body or another portion of the package body.

An exemplary embodiment of a recloseable flexible package is illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The package 10 includes a front panel 12, a back panel 14, two end seals 16, 18 at opposing ends of the package, and a back fin seal 20. A removable portion 22 of the package is defined by a die cut in the package body and is substantially parallel to the two end seals 16, 18 of the package. The removable portion 22 begins on a first side of the fin seal 18 on the back panel 14 of the package 10 near the top end seal 18 (the “starting end”), continues around to the front panel 12 of the package 10, and then continues around to the back panel 14 where it terminates on the opposing second side of the fin seat 20 (the “terminal end”). The removable portion 22 is covered by a flexible, sealing label 24 adhered to the removable portion 22 with a permanent adhesive, the permanent adhesive extending to the starting end of the flexible sealing label 24. The flexible sealing label 24 is adhered to the overlapping region 23 of the package body 10 with a pressure sensitive adhesive. The package 10 may be opened by pulling the pull tab 26 at the terminal end of the flexible sealing label 24 to separate the removable portion 22 from the main package body at the line of weakness, the removable port ion 22 of the package 10 remaining adhered to the flexible adhesive strip 24.

The operation of the removable portion 22 and flexible sealing label 24 may be better understood by reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B and FIGS. 3A-3C. The removable portion 22 may be, for example, defined by a die cut 28 in the film forming the package 10. Desirably, the die cut 28 is shaped to stop propagation of the film opening 30 and prevent fearing of the package 10 during its opening. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the die cut 28 defining the removable portion 22 may be “J”-shaped at the starting end of the die cut 28. The pull tab 26 can be used to pull the flexible sealing label 24 away from, the package 10 in the peeling direction, forming an opening 30 in the package. The open end 18 of the package 10 can then be folded towards the back panel 14 of the package 10 to provide access to the contents through the opening 30. After a desired portion of the contents are removed, the package 10 can be resealed by folding the open end 18 of the package 10 downward, towards the front panel 12, wrapping the flexible sealing label 24 around the back panel 14, and securing the flexible sealing label 24 to the back panel 14 with, the resealable adhesive on the flexible sealing label 24. A schematic illustration of opening and reclosing an exemplary package is illustrated in FIG. 4, including the opening of the package (A), removing a product (B), folding the open end down ward and wrapping the flexible sealing label around the package (C), and reseating the flexible sealing label (D) are illustrated in FIG. 4.

The flexible film forming the package body may be made of any foldable material suitable for packaging the product concerned. Where the product is a food product, the material may be substantially moisture and gas impervious so that when it is fully sealed, the packaging provides a hermetically seated container for the food product.

Alternatively, the package may be vented so as to enable the food product to be stored for longer periods. Examples of typical materials that can be used include: paper based materials, one or more polymeric materials, and metallic foils. The flexible film also may be a lamination comprising layers of the same or different materials, which may include any of those mentioned above in any suitable combination. In one embodiment, the material comprises a laminate of a metal foil, which may be an aluminum foil, on one side and a plastics material on the other side. When the material is formed into the package, the metallic foil can be positioned on the inside facing the product and the plastics material can be positioned on the outside. The plastics material may be printed on or otherwise marked with information for the consumer.

The peelable and resealable adhesive disposed on a portion of the flexible sealing label may be of any suitable adhesive. For example, the peelable and resealable adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive or a cold seal adhesive, and may be applied to the free edges of the flexible sealing label or to the overlapping region of the package body, or both. Although the flexible sealing label is referred to as being re-sealable, in practice the peelable seal will not usually be expected to form a hermetic seal when the package is reclosed. However, when the package is re-closed it will hold the remaining contents securely in the package and will provide some protection for the product from the environment. References to the flexible sealing label being “resealed” or “resealable” should be construed accordingly. However, where the package is used to package a food product, such as a chocolate bar, it is expected that the package will be fully sealed when the package is formed prior to the first opening, so that the package initially forms a hermetically sealed package. Thus, the peelable and resealable adhesive may not be applied to the whole, surface area of the free edges of the flexible sealing label.

The reclosable flexible packages provided herein may be used for containing a variety of products, particularly food products. Non-limiting examples of such products include chocolate and sugar confectionary products; cheese and dairy products; biscuits and crackers; tea, ground coffee, and coffee beans; pet food; nut snacks; and shelf stable products, including dried foods (e.g., rice or beans). The packages are particularly suited for use with generally block-shaped products. For example, the package may be used for containing one or more chocolate bars, in packages containing more than one chocolate bar, the bars can be arranged in-line or side-by-side. In any case, the package permits the consumer to slide out and break off portions of the chocolate bar when desired.

The recloseable flexible packages can be produced using any suitable manufacturing method. For example, the packaging can be produced using a flow-wrap method in which a flexible film having a plurality of appropriately positioned flexible sealing labels applied over a respective plurality of lines of weakness and removable portions along its length is supplied in a roll to package products in a substantially continuous process. The material is fed through a machine which folds it about each product in turn so that opposing longitudinal edge regions are brought into contact and bonded together to form the longitudinal seam. The material is crimped or bonded at opposing ends of the product to form the transverse end seams and the material is cut to separate each package from the remainder of the material. The longitudinal seam and transverse end seams may be bonded together by a hot seal or cold seal.

Although the foregoing embodiments describe packaging including a longitudinal seam or which is formed using a flow-wrap process, the description should not be construed as limiting the packages to such structures. For example, the packages could be formed with seals along the longitudinal sides of the package instead of or in addition to the longitudinal back seam.

Moreover, while the present invention has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon attaining tin understanding of the foregoing may readily conceive of alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to those embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be assessed as that of the appended claims and any equivalents thereof. 

1. A recloseable flexible package for containing a product therein, comprising: a package body formed from a flexible film having a longitudinal seam along a back panel of the package body; a line of weakness extending around a portion of the package body to define a removable portion of the package body, the removable portion beginning on the back panel between the longitudinal seam and a first longitudinal side, extending around the first longitudinal side and across a front panel, and continuing around a second longitudinal side to the back panel where the removable portion terminates between the second longitudinal side and the longitudinal seam; and a flexible sealing label disposed over and extending beyond the removable portion of the package body, wherein the flexible sealing label and removable portion are permanently adhered to one another such that pulling the flexible sealing label in a peeling direction separates the removable portion from the package body at the line of weakness and forms a transverse opening in the package body, the flexible sealing label further comprising a resealable adhesive extending beyond the removable portion of the package body for forming a resealable closure.
 2. The package of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal seam comprises a longitudinal fin seal.
 3. The package of claim 1, further comprising two transverse sealed seams at opposing ends of the package body.
 4. The package of claim 3, wherein the transverse sealed seams and longitudinal seam are heat sealed or cold sealed.
 5. The package of claim 3, wherein the transverse sealed seams are crimp sealed.
 6. The package of claim 1, wherein the line of weakness is selected from the group consisting of a die cut, a mechanical score line, a laser score line, and a perforated line.
 7. The package of claim 1, wherein the resealable adhesive is a cold seal adhesive.
 8. The package of claim 1, wherein the resealable adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive.
 9. The package of claim 1, wherein the product is a generally block-shaped product.
 10. The package of claim 1, wherein the product is a food product.
 11. The package of claim 10, wherein the food product is selected from the group consisting of confectionary products, cheese and dairy products, biscuits and crackers, tea, coffee, pet food, nut snacks, and shelf stable products.
 12. The package of claim 10, wherein the food product is a confectionary product.
 13. The package of claim 12, wherein the confectionary product is a chocolate bar.
 14. The package of claim 1, wherein the flexible sealing label includes a tab for grasping the flexible sealing label.
 15. The package of claim 1, wherein the package is a flow-wrap film package.
 16. The package of claim 1, further comprising a tamper evident means.
 17. The package of claim 16, wherein the tamper-evident means is disposed in the flexible sealing label extending beyond the removable portion of the package body.
 18. The package of claim 16, wherein the tamper-evident means is disposed in the package body in an area outside the removable portion of the package body that is in contact with the resealable adhesive of the flexible sealing label before the package is initially opened.
 19. The package of claim 1, wherein the package is configured to be reclosed after forming the transverse opening by folding an end of the package body towards the front panel, wrapping the flexible sealing label and removable portion of the package body around the package body, and securing the flexible sealing label to the package body with the resealable adhesive.
 20. A method of preparing a recloseable flexible package, the method comprising: providing a flexible film having a flexible sealing label applied over a line of weakness defining a removable portion in the flexible film; folding the flexible film about a product and forming a longitudinal seam by joining opposite longitudinal edges of the flexible film; and forming two transverse sealed seams; wherein during the process the flexible film is positioned as it is folded about the product so that the flexible sealing label applied over the removable portion begins on a back panel between the longitudinal seam and a first longitudinal side, extends around the first longitudinal side and across a front panel, and continues around a second longitudinal side to the back panel where it terminates between the second longitudinal side and the longitudinal seam.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the flexible sealing label and removable portion are permanently adhered to one another such that pulling the flexible sealing label in a peeling direction separates the removable portion from the package at the line of weakness and forms a transverse opening in the package, the flexible sealing label further comprising a resealable adhesive extending beyond the removable portion of the flexible body for forming a resealable closure.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the package is produced using a flow-wrap process, the flexible film being provided as part of a roll of the flexible film having a plurality of flexible sealing labels applied over a plurality of respective lines of weakness spaced along its length, the flexible film being cut to separate the package from the remainder of the flexible film.
 23. The method of claim 20, wherein the product is a food product.
 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the food product is selected from the group consisting of confectionary products, cheese and dairy products, biscuits and crackers, tea, coffee, pet food, nut snacks, and shelf stable products.
 25. The method of claim 23, wherein the food product is a confectionary product.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the confectionary product is a chocolate bar. 